Coupling system

ABSTRACT

A coupling system mounted on an underframe of a first locomotive is provided. The coupling system includes a first member defining a first pocket configured to detachably receive a first coupler. The coupling system also includes a second member defining a second pocket spaced apart from the first. The second member configured to detachably receive a second coupler. The first locomotive is connected to a second locomotive by one of the first coupler and the second coupler.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a coupling system, and moreparticularly to the coupling system for coupling locomotives in alocomotive consist or a locomotive to a freight wagon or passengercarriage.

BACKGROUND

Couplers are used to couple adjacent locomotives in a locomotiveconsist. For a particular locomotive application, a type of coupler mayhave to be replaced with a different type of coupler, and vice versa.The ability of the locomotive to switch between different couplers mayallow quick and easy coupling of the adjacent locomotives. However, thechallenge in interchanging one type of coupler and the other type ofcoupler is the difference in design of the couplers and a height atwhich the couplers are installed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,323 describes improvements in universal verticallift system couplings and attachments therefor; in vertical liftsystems, improvements in wide engagement and narrow engagement universalcouples and attachments; and improvements in couples of vertical liftsystems, both wide gauge and narrow gauge, which permit attachmentengagements be fixed directly to the working attachment member, ratherthan requiring the conventional intermediate universal support or carry.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a coupling system mounted on anunderframe of a first locomotive is provided. The coupling systemincludes a first member defining a first pocket configured to detachablyreceive a first coupler. The coupling system also includes a secondmember defining a second pocket spaced apart from the first. The secondmember configured to detachably receive a second coupler. The firstlocomotive is connected to a second locomotive by one of the firstcoupler and the second coupler.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an underframe for alocomotive is provided. The underframe defines a first axis and a secondaxis. The underframe includes a first member defining a first pocketconfigured to detachably receive a first coupler. The first coupler isdisposed along the first axis. The underframe also includes a secondmember defining a second pocket spaced apart from the first pocket alongthe second axis. The second member is configured to detachably receive asecond coupler. The second coupler is disposed along the second axis.The locomotive is connected to another locomotive by one of the firstcoupler and the second coupler.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a locomotive isprovided. The locomotive includes an underframe. The locomotive alsoincludes a coupling system mounted on the underframe. The couplingsystem includes a first member defining a first pocket configured todetachably receive a first coupler. The coupling system also includes asecond member defining a second pocket spaced apart from the firstpocket. The second member is configured to detachably receive a secondcoupler. The locomotive is connected to another locomotive by one of thefirst coupler and the second coupler.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary locomotive, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an underframe of the locomotive of FIG.1 having a coupling system, according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the underframe mounted with thecoupling system;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a first member and a firstcoupler of the coupling system, according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a second member and a secondcoupler of the coupling system, according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. FIG. 1 is aperspective view of an exemplary locomotive consist 100, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure. The term “locomotive consist”referred to herein may include two or more locomotives that aremechanically coupled and/or linked with each other to travel on rails102. The locomotive consist 100 may be used for transportation ofpassengers and/or cargo. It should be noted that the application of thepresent disclosure is not restricted to the locomotive consist 100disclosed herein, and may be extended to any type of rolling stock knownto a person of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the application ofthe present invention can also be extended to vehicles that may not runon rails.

The locomotive consist 100 may include an engine (not shown) associatedtherewith. The engine is configured to provide driving power to thelocomotive consist 100, in order to propel the locomotive consist 100.In one embodiment, the engine may include, for example, a diesel engine,a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel powered engine such as, a natural gasengine, a combination of known sources of power, or any other type ofpower source apparent to one of skill in the art.

The locomotive consist 100 includes at least one operator compartment104. An operator of the locomotive consist 100 may be seated inside theoperator compartment 104 for operating the locomotive consist 100. Theoperator compartment 104 may include a number of input devices (notshown) to control and maneuver the locomotive consist 100. Further, theoperator compartment 104 may include a number of output devices (notshown) present therein. Further, the locomotive consist 100 may includea transmission system and a propulsion system. The locomotive consist100 also includes a plurality of wheels 109 for propulsion of thelocomotive consist 100 on the rails 102.

The locomotive consist 100 shown in the accompanying figures includes afirst locomotive 106. The first locomotive 106 is generally embodied asthe primary locomotive, and includes the operator compartment 104 andthe engine. Further, the locomotive consist 100 includes a secondlocomotive 108. The second locomotive 108 may be embodied as a traillocomotive that is coupled behind the first locomotive 106; in apropulsion direction of the locomotive consist 100. It should be notedthat the number of first locomotives 106 and second locomotives 108disclosed herein is exemplary, and may vary based on the applications.For example, the locomotive consist 100 may include more than one firstlocomotive 106 and one second locomotive 108.

The first and second locomotives 106, 108 are provided adjacent to andmechanically coupled with each other, such that the locomotives 106, 108are arranged one behind the other. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, acoupling system 200 is used to couple the first locomotive 106 with thesecond locomotive 108. The coupling system 100 is used for couplinglocomotives 106, 108 in the locomotive consist 100. Alternatively, thecoupling system may be used for coupling of any other locomotive to afreight wagon or passenger carriage, without any limitations. Thecoupling system 200 is mounted on an underframe 110 (see FIG. 2) of oneend of the first locomotive 106. The coupling system 200 will now beexplained in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the coupling system 200 includes a firstmember 202. The first member 202 is mounted within the underframe 110 ofthe first locomotive 106. In one example, the first member 202 isreceived within a first section 114 of the underframe 110. As shown inFIG. 4, the first member 202 is supported on the underframe 110 by anumber of fasteners 206. More particularly, the assembly of the firstmember 202 is supported on a plate 208. The plate 208 is in turn coupledto the first section 114 of the underframe 110 by the fasteners 206.Further, the first member 202 includes a first draft gear housing 112(see FIG. 3). A draft gear (not shown) is mounted inside the first draftgear housing 112. The draft gear is configured to connect the firstlocomotive 106 to a first coupler 204 of the coupling system 200.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first member 202 includes a firstbracket 210. The first bracket 210 is provided adjacent to the firstdraft gear housing 112. The first bracket 210 may be made of a metalthat is capable of withstanding operational loads. The first bracket 210of the first member 202 defines a first pocket 212. The first pocket 212is configured to detachably receive the first coupler 204. The firstcoupler 204 is disposed along a first axis A-A′ (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 4)defined by the underframe 110. In one example, the first coupler 204 isconfigured to detachably couple the first locomotive 106 with the secondlocomotive 108.

The first coupler 204 is coupled with the first member 202 using anumber of fasteners (not shown). When assembled with the first member202, the first coupler 204 projects horizontally outwards from a surface116 (see FIG. 2) of the underframe 110. In the illustrated example, thefirst coupler 204 is embodied as a high mounted coupler of a particulardesign. In other examples, the second coupler 222 may include any othercoupler type known in the art at an alternative mounting height.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the coupling system 200 includes asecond member 214. The second member 214 has a length different from alength of the first member 202 (see FIG. 3). In one exemplaryembodiment, the length of the first member 202 is greater than thelength of the second member 214. The second member 214 includes a secondbracket 216. The second bracket 216 may be made of a metal that iscapable of withstanding operational loads.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second bracket 216 of the second member 214 iscoupled to a second section 118 of the underframe 110 by a number offasteners 218. The second bracket 216 includes a pair of plates 220 thatare configured to receive the fasteners 218 in order to couple thesecond bracket 216 with the second section 118 of the underframe 110.Further, a second draft gear housing 120 is mounted inside the secondmember 214. A draft gear (not shown) is mounted inside the second draftgear housing 120. The draft gear is configured to connect the firstlocomotive 106 to a second coupler 222 of the coupling system 200. Thesecond bracket 216 defines a second pocket 224. The second pocket 224 ofthe second member 214 is vertically spaced apart from the first pocket212 of the first member 202. In one example, the second pocket 224 islocated at a height that is greater than a height at which the firstpocket 212 is located (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the second member 214 is configured todetachably receive the second coupler 222. The first coupler 204 isdisposed along a second axis B-B′ (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 5) defined by theunderframe 110, such that the first axis A-A′ (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 4)and the second axis B-B′ are parallel to each other. In one example, thesecond coupler 222 may be configured to couple the first locomotive 106with the second locomotive 108. The second coupler 222 is coupled withthe second member 214 using a number of fasteners 226 (see FIG. 5). Whenassembled with the second member 214, the second coupler 222 projectshorizontally outwards from the surface 116 of the underframe 110 (seeFIG. 2). In the illustrated example, the second coupler 222 is embodiedwith one coupler height. In other examples, the second coupler 222 maycorrespond to a coupler at a different height.

In one example, the first and second coupler 204, 222 may be of the sametype. Alternatively, the first and second coupler 204, 222 may be ofdifferent types. It should be noted that any one of the first and secondcouplers 204, 222 may be used for coupling the first locomotive 106 withthe second locomotive 108. Also, the selection between any one of thefirst and second couplers 204, 222 for coupling purposes may depend onapplication requirements and is subject to variation. Further, thefasteners 206, 218, 226 may embody any one of known mechanical fastenersuch as bolt, screw, rivet, pin, and the like, without any limitations.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates to a dual coupler arrangement for thecoupling system 200 associated with the locomotive consist 100. Thecoupling system 200 allows different types of couplers, mounted atvarying heights, to be integrated on a single locomotive. The couplingsystem 200 includes the first coupler 204 and the second coupler 222,such that any one of the first and second couplers 204, 222 may be usedto couple the locomotives 106, 108. The first and second couplers 204,222 are installed at different heights with respect to each other. Thecoupling system 200 disclosed herein is capable of interchangeablyreceiving different types of couplers.

The coupling system 200 of the present disclosure allows easyinterchangeability between different coupler designs in a short cycletime. Also, as the coupling system 200 includes fewer and low costcomponents, the coupling system 200 presents a cost effective couplingsolution that allows easy switching between different couplers. Further,the coupling system 200 also permits easy conversion of the locomotivesfrom one coupling system to an alternative coupling system, and viceversa with low complexity.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may becontemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems andmethods without departing from the spirit and scope of what isdisclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within thescope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims andany equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coupling system mounted on an underframe of afirst locomotive, the coupling system comprising: a first memberdefining a first pocket configured to detachably receive a firstcoupler; and a second member defining a second pocket spaced apart fromthe first pocket and configured to detachably receive a second coupler,and wherein the first locomotive is connected to a second locomotive byone of the first coupler and the second coupler.
 2. The coupling systemof claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member havedifferent lengths with respect to each other.
 3. The coupling system ofclaim 1, wherein the first pocket is located at a greater height thanthe second pocket.
 4. The coupling system of claim 1, wherein the firstcoupler and the second coupler corresponds to a coupler of the sametype.
 5. The coupling system of claim 1, wherein the first coupler andthe second coupler corresponds to a coupler of different types.
 6. Alocomotive consist comprising the first locomotive characterized byclaim
 1. 7. The coupling system of claim 1, wherein the first member iscoupled to the underframe by a plurality of fasteners.
 8. The couplingsystem of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first member and thesecond member includes a bracket defining the corresponding first pocketand the second pocket.
 9. An underframe for a locomotive, the underframedefining a first axis and a second axis, the underframe comprising: afirst member defining a first pocket configured to detachably receive afirst coupler, the first coupler disposed along the first axis; and asecond member defining a second pocket spaced apart from the firstpocket along the second axis and configured to detachably receive asecond coupler, the second coupler disposed along the second axis; andwherein the locomotive is connected to another locomotive by one of thefirst coupler and the second coupler.
 10. The locomotive of claim 9,wherein the first member and the second member have different lengthsalong the first axis with respect to each other.
 11. The locomotive ofclaim 9, wherein the first pocket is located at a greater height thanthe second pocket.
 12. The locomotive of claim 9, wherein the firstcoupler and the second coupler corresponds to a coupler of the sametype.
 13. The locomotive of claim 9, wherein the first coupler and thesecond coupler corresponds to a coupler of different types.
 14. Alocomotive consist comprising the locomotive characterized by claim 9.15. The locomotive of claim 9, wherein the first member is coupled tothe underframe by a plurality of fasteners.
 16. The locomotive of claim9, wherein the at least one of the first member and the second memberincludes a bracket defining the corresponding first pocket and thesecond pocket.
 17. A locomotive comprising: an underframe; a couplingsystem mounted on the underframe, the coupling system comprising: afirst member defining a first pocket configured to detachably receive afirst coupler; and a second member defining a second pocket spaced apartfrom the first pocket and configured to detachably receive a secondcoupler, and wherein the locomotive is connected to another locomotiveby one of the first coupler and the second coupler.
 18. The locomotiveof claim 17, wherein the first member and the second member havedifferent lengths with respect to each other.
 19. The locomotive ofclaim 17, wherein the first pocket is located at a greater height thanthe second pocket.
 20. The locomotive of claim 17, wherein one of thefirst coupler and the second coupler corresponds to a first type ofcoupler, and wherein another of the first coupler and the second couplercorresponds to a second type of coupler.